The most problems I had while quilting. Fitting kind of stiff quilt (layers of applique + batting) under my tiny machine was very difficult. I dream about having a sewing machine with more space under the arm. The flowers and leaves in Geisha's hair are cut whole from a fabric:

Quilting of the upper part of the background (and Geisha) was free hand with improvised pattern (I was choosing the quilting pattern basing on the space which I had left, I didn't draw any pattern before quilting):

I am 2 years late coming to this blog of yours! Only just started embroidery & quilting! May I say you are fantastic? So artistic and so kind to share with complete strangers. If you ddon't have one already I am starting your UK followers group :) !